How to Remove a Stand from an iMac

Written by Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: April 5, 2024 Fact Checked

This wikiHow will show you how to remove the stand from your iMac so you can install another kind of mount. When you buy an iMac, you have the option to buy it with a VESA mount adapter, or you can buy the mount/mount adapter from another retail location if you intend on using it later.^{[1]
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Taking Off an iMac Stand

Turn off the computer and unplug all cables.
Place the screen down on a soft, flat surface.
Insert a thin card into the top of the stand to release the latch.
Push the stand down to lock it into place and reveal the screws.
Use a TORX tool to unscrew the stand.

Steps

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You don't want to get accidentally damage the computer, so you'll definitely need to make sure the iMac is off and disconnected.^{[2]
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When the screen is rotated down, the latch inside the stand will be exposed and easier to access.

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Release the latch inside the stand. You'll need to use a thin card, like a store loyalty card (not a credit card) or a business card, to slide into the gap where the stand meets the back of the iMac.
- Feel for a spring-latch inside the gap, about ¾ of an inch the way in. If your card goes in more than that, you'll need to remove your card and try again.
- When you hear a quiet snap, you can continue.^{[3]
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After you hear the click that the stand is locked, you can push the stand down until it locks into place at the bottom. At the top of the stand, you'll see a row of screws revealed.^{[4]
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Remove the screws with the TORX tool. You'll need to unscrew about eight screws to remove the stand from your iMac.^{[5]
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- You can buy one from the Apple Store or one should have come in the VESA kit you bought. If you don't have access to either of those sources, you can easily find one for cheap from online retailers.^{[6]
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Lift the stand off the iMac. Once you remove all eight screws, you'll need to lift the stand off the iMac to remove it.^{[7]
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- To re-attach the stand to your iMac, follow these instructions from the end to the beginning.